Maleated Polyethylene Research Articles

Physico‐mechanical, rheological and gas barrier properties of organoclay and inorganic phyllosilicate reinforced thermoplastic films

AbstractInsertion of 2:1 organo‐modified phyllosilicate tactoids into rheologically tough thermoplastics has extraordinary potential candidate in oxygen permeability and microstructural toughening. Herein, two commercially abundant clays have been taken for improvement of the thermoplastic's gas barrier property in reasonably low loading. The cause of low loading has been accounted to the usage of maleated polyethylene (MA‐g‐PE) during the melt mixing tenure. The optimized nanocomposite compression molded film has been tested against uniaxial stretching, which showed a negligible change in the residual permanent set with sacrificing the elongation at break feature. Moreover, nanoindentation was also performed to get the hardness of the sample surface. The flow behavior of the nanocomposites showed thixotropic likely with increasing the frequency. Oxygen transmission rate (OTR) has significantly decreased for tallow amine‐modified nanoclay system (cloisite 15A) in comparison to cloisite Na+ providing 'tortoise path' formation inside the matrix. Thus, hitherto, the work could demonstrate and provide the information of comparative studies between organo‐clay and simple phyllosilicates, which could be remediation of the loopholes in mechanical toughening and gas barrier lineaments.

Effect of particle size, fiber content, and surface treatment on the mechanical properties of maple-reinforced LLDPE produced by rotational molding

In this work, composites based on linear low-density polyethylene and maple wood fibers with and without surface treatment with maleated polyethylene (MAPE) were prepared by dry blending, followed by rotomolding to study the effect of particle size, fiber content, and surface treatment. From the samples produced, a complete characterization of the morphological and mechanical properties was performed. The results obtained showed that MAPE surface treatment improved the fiber–matrix interface quality, which improved the homogeneity, the thermal stability, and the mechanical properties of the composites. The results showed that the effect of particle size was significant as the tensile modulus increased by 7%, 40%, and 73% for 125–250, 250–355, and 355–500 µm at 30 wt% of maple fibers. The tensile strength also increased by 114% at the same fiber loading (30 wt%) when the particle size increased from 125–250 µm to 355–500 μm. Finally, the impact strength with 355–500 µm particles was 52% higher than for 125–250 µm particles at 30 wt%

Improving the Compatibility and Mechanical Properties of Natural Fibers/Green Polyethylene Biocomposites Produced by Rotational Molding

In this work, sustainable rotomolded composites based on green polyethylene (Green-PE) and natural fibers (coir and agave) were studied. Fibers’ surface was treated with maleated polyethylene to improve the fiber-matrix compatibility. Samples were characterized by morphology, mechanical properties (impact, tension, and flexion) and water absorption. Results showed a more homogeneous morphology with better fiber dispersion and wetting in the treated fibers composites which lead to substantial improvements of tensile modulus from 258 MPa for the neat matrix up to 345 MPa for both, treated agave and coir composites (at 30% wt), and tensile strength from 13.7 MPa for Green-PE to 15.3 MPa for 30% treated coir composites. The positive effect of the surface treatment was also observed in flexural strength with increases up to 100% and 34% in flexural modulus. Also, impact strength was increased up to 46% and water absorption reduced up to 55% for treated fiber composites compared to untreated fiber composites. As an important observation, it was possible to obtain similar or even higher mechanical properties with the Green-PE natural fiber composites than for a petroleum-based rotomolded polyethylene, which is interesting in terms of sustainability and performances for specific applications like automotive and packaging.

Organopalygorskite and Molybdenum Sulfide Combinations to Produce Mechanical and Processing Enhanced Flame‐Retardant PE/EVA Blend Composites with Low Magnesium Hydroxide Loading

The effect of organopalygorskite (OPGS), molybdenum sulfide (MoS2), and magnesium hydroxide (MH) combinations on fire retardant and flammability characteristics of low‐density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate (LDPE/EVA) blends was investigated using the limited oxygen index (LOI), horizontal burning test (UL‐94), and cone calorimeter measurements. The combination of OPGS with exfoliated MoS2 nanosheets is employed to reduce the conventional hydroxide content and enhance the PE/EVA blend flame‐retardant properties with a notable improvement in mechanical and processing characteristics. The flame‐retardant properties of the composites were compared with a reference PE/EVA sample with 55 wt% of MH, which is commonly used for wire coating. The effect of each additive and the use of a maleated polyethylene (PEgMA) as a compatibilizing agent on PE/EVA flame‐retardant properties were analyzed. The results of the LOI and UL‐94 tests confirmed that the addition of OPGS combined with MoS2 substantially increases the LOI value (26%) and reduces the burning rate (66%) and the pHRR (83%) compared with neat polymer blend and passes V‐0 rating during UL‐94 vertical test, which were very similar to the values obtained for the reference sample with higher MH content. In addition, the results indicate that the addition of these additives simultaneously increases the tensile modulus with mechanical properties even higher than the reference sample. Most important, the results indicated that these additive combination allows to reduce the total MH filler content to achieve the flame‐retardant requirements and with enhanced mechanical properties and with higher melt flow rates and lower viscosities facilitating the processing of the polymer composites at lower pressure in the processing extruder. Therefore, this additives combination provides a favorable way to obtain efficient flame‐retardant materials with halogen‐free, low smoke, and easy processing characteristics. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:434–442, 2020. © 2020 Society of Plastics Engineers

Comparative evaluation of Clusia multiflora wood flour, against mineral fillers, as reinforcement in SBR rubber composites

Clusia multiflora sawdust (CMS) was evaluated as filler in rubber composites. CMS at 40 phr was mixed with synthetic styrene butadiene rubber (SBR 1502), the blend was compatibilized with 8 phr of maleated polyethylene (MAPE). To evaluate the curing and mechanical behavior of CMS, it was compared with precipitated silica (reinforcing filler); calcium carbonate and kaolin (non-reinforcing minerals). The addition of CMS reduced the mechanical properties of rubber compound compared to silica rubber/silica composite. The tensile and tear strength values for SBR/CMS were similar to SBR/CaCO3 and SBR/kaolin. The addition of MAPE to SBR/CMS composite slightly improved the tensile strength, tear strength, abrasion resistance and hardness. In general, CMS performed as diluent filler which reduced the weight of the composite. CMS slightly affected curing speed of SBR/CMS blends. CMS is a waste generated by the use of Clusia multiflora (a timber species endemic of mountains region of Colombia) in the furniture industry. The novelty of this research consists of evaluating the CMS as an alternative to mineral fillers in rubber compounding to improve its mechanical properties, seeking to contribute to the sustainability and to reduce environmental impacts.

Evaluation of corrugated cardboard biochar as reinforcing fiber on properties, biodegradability and weatherability of wood-plastic composites

Corrugated cardboard (CCB) was pyrolyzed at different temperatures (350, 400 and 450 °C) to produce biochar fibers. The biochar and CCB control fibers were then compounded with high density polyethylene (HDPE) and maleated polyethylene (MAPE) to prepare wood plastic composites (WPC). The effect of different pyrolysis temperature biochars on the WPC's mechanical, thermal and viscoelastic properties, water absorptions, rheological behavior, weatherability and biodurability performance were evaluated. The CCB composite melts showed higher modulus and viscosity than biochar composites, indicating better melt strength. Compared with CCB composites, an increase of tensile strength (4%) and tensile modulus (30%) could be observed in composites made from CCB 350 °C biochar. In addition, the CCB biochar composite showed lower tan δ and adhesion factor, indicating the strong interfacial interaction between biochar fibers and HDPE. The composite melting temperatures (Tm) were not significantly different. The degree of HDPE crystallinity in the biochar composites decreased relative to the CCB composites, while the thermal properties of the composites improved compared with CCB composites. The CCB composite displayed the highest water absorption (3.9%) and thickness swell (3.8%) after 70 d. The CCB biochar (450 °C) composite experienced the least color change, lightless and carbonyl concentrations due to weathering. Pyrolysis of CCB reduced weight loss in the resulting composites exposed to fungi compared with the CCB composite. Using CCB biochar led to a more biodurable WPC.

Effect of coupling agent content on properties of composites made from polylactic acid and chrysanthemum waste

Chrysanthemum flower is among one of the highly sought after and widely planted flower crops, in particular for cultural and religious ceremonies. However, the chrysanthemum stem and stalk have little value and usually discard as by‐product waste from floristry. The objective of this research is to investigate the potential value of utilizing chrysanthemum stem and stalk as reinforcing fillers for thermoplastic composites. In this study, 2‐mm thick composite sheet containing predefined formulations of polylactic acid (PLA), chrysanthemum waste filler (CWF) ranging from 15 to 60 phr, and maleated polyethylene (MAPE) coupling agent up to 5 phr were prepared with the aid of Haake internal mixer and compression molding. The effect of MAPE loading on tensile, thermal, and morphological properties of PLA/CWF composites was investigated. The findings revealed that PLA/CWF composite attained improved tensile modulus compared to the neat PLA, and the tensile modulus increases with higher concentration of CWF. However, both tensile strength and elongation at break reduces with increase loading of CWF. Overall, PLA/CWF composites with MAPE shows better performance compared to those without MAPE, where an optimum strength of 21.8 MPa can be achieved with 60 phr CW and 3 phr MAPE. The measured tensile strength is comparable to alternatives natural fiber thermoplastic composites demonstrating its potential to be used in non‐structurally demanding application. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:10–16, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers

Influence of keratin and DNA coating on fire retardant magnesium hydroxide dispersion and flammability characteristics of PE/EVA blends

For the first time the combination of keratin fibers (KF), obtained from poultry feathers, with deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) are employed in low-density polyethylene-ethylene vinyl acetate (LDPE/EVA) blends in order to reduce the conventional hydroxide content and enhance the blend flame retardant properties. The combined effect of each filler and the use of maleated polyethylene (PEgMA) as compatibilizer on PE/EVA flame retardant properties was analyzed. DNA by its chemical structure can be considered as an intumescing agent and when it is combined with keratin the char formation is promoted and the flame retardant properties are enhanced. DNA was distributed in specific layers forming a segregated film which resulted in better PE/EVA blend flame retardant properties compared with either DNA deposited simply by compression molding on the material surface or with melt compounding in the bulk. The flame retardant behavior was compared with a reference PE/EVA sample with 55 wt% of Magnesium Hydroxide currently used for wire coatings in the wire and cable industry. The additives combination with DNA deposited as a segregated structure significantly increases the LOI up to 24.5% and reduces the heat release rate by 82% during cone calorimetry tests with very similar flame behavior as the reference sample with 55 wt% magnesium hydroxide loadings. The mechanical properties indicated that DNA has a marked increase in elongation as well as a marked reduction in torque and viscosity indicating that the combination of these additives can improve the mechanical performance, as well as facilitate the melt processing. Most important, the results indicated that the combination of these additives makes it possible to reduce the total Magnesium hydroxide filler content from 55 to 20 wt% to achieve the flame retardant requirements and with enhanced mechanical performance. Thus, this additives combination and this coating methodology provides a promising way to meet the growing demand and stringent requirements for high performance materials with high flame retardant standards using high efficient and green fire retardant coatings.

Influence of silane/MaPE dual coupling agents on the rheological and mechanical properties of sawdust/rubber/HDPE composites

Abstract Proper utilization of recycled rubber is of high environmental and resource concern. In this study, a composite (COMP) was created based on high-density fiberboard sawdust (HDFS), ground tire rubber (GTR) particles and virgin high-density polyethylene (HDPE) with the ratio of HDFS:GTR:HDPE=30:21:49 and with 1% PE wax as lubricant. A dual coupling agent system, i.e. bis-(triethoxysilylpropyl) tetrasulfide (TESPT, up to 5% based on the COMP total weight) together with maleated polyethylene (MaPE, 3, 5 and 8% based on the COMP weight), was applied. The rheological properties of the hybrid during the extrusion process was evaluated in a HAAKE miniLab rheometer, and the bending and tensile properties of injected COMP were tested. The results showed that addition of MaPE and TESPT has an evident influence on the shear viscosity and stress of the COMP fluid, and the two coupling chemicals have synergetic effects. Increased content of MaPE and/or TESPT improved the tensile and bending strength of the COMP, while excessive addition of TESPT (over 1%) decreased the bending modulus. To conclude, a dual coupling system, 5% MaPE plus 1% TESPT, seems to be advantageous for the COMP behavior.

HDPE/UHMWPE hybrid nanocomposites with surface functionalized graphene oxide towards improved strength and cytocompatibility.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE)-based and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)-based composites with carbonaceous reinforcements are being widely investigated for biomedical applications. The enhancement of material properties critically depends on the nature, amount and compatibility of the reinforcement with the polymeric matrix. To this end, this study demonstrates the efficacy of a 'dual' hybrid approach of incorporating modified inorganic nanofiller into an optimized polyethylene blend. In particular, a unique synthesis strategy was adopted to design a covalently bonded maleated polyethylene (mPE) grafted modified graphene oxide (mGO) hybrid nanocomposite. In this scheme, polyethyleneimine (PEI) was initially attached onto GO to synthesize amine functionalized GO (GO-PEI). This is followed by mPE grafting, resulting in mGO. Melt-extrusion together with injection moulding of a polymer mix (60% HDPE-40% UHMWPE) with different proportions (less than or equal to 3 wt%) of surface functionalized GO was conducted to develop nanocomposites of different sizes and shapes. When compared with unreinforced PE blend, the nanocomposites with 1 wt% mGO exhibited an increase in ultimate tensile strength by 120% (up to 65 MPa) and elastic modulus by 40% (up to 908 MPa). The uniform dispersion of modified GO nanofillers, confirmed using X-ray micro-computed tomography and transmission electron microscopy, facilitated effective interfacial adhesion and compatibility with the hybrid polymer matrix. The variation in mechanical properties with GO/mGO addition to PE blend was critically discussed in reference to the structural modification of GO, crystallinity and nature of dispersion of fillers. Importantly, the nanocomposites support the attachment and proliferation of C2C12 murine myoblast cells over 3 days in culture in a statistically insignificant manner with respect to polymer blends without any nanofiller. Taken together, the experimental results suggest that HDPE/UHMWPE/mGO is a promising biomaterial for bone tissue engineering applications.

Effects of Extractives on Dimensional Stability, Dynamic Mechanical Properties, Creep, and Stress Relaxation of Rice Straw/High-Density Polyethylene Composites.

The removal of rice straw extractives increases the interphase adhesion between rice straw and the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix, while eradicating the inner defects of rice straw/HDPE composites. This study investigated the effect of rice straw extractives removal on the dimensional stability (water uptake and thermal expansion), dynamic mechanical properties, creep, and stress relaxation of rice straw/HDPE composites. Cold water (CW), hot water (HW), and 1% alkaline solution (AL) extraction methods were utilized to remove rice straw extractives. Extracted and unextracted rice straws were mixed with HDPE, maleated polyethylene (MAPE), and Polyethylene wax to prepare composites via extrusion. Removal of rice straw extractives significantly improved the dimensional stability, dynamic mechanical properties, and creep and stress relaxation of rice straw/HDPE composites, with the exception of the thickness swelling of the AL/HDPE and the thermal expansion of the rice straw/HDPE composites. HW/HDPE exhibited the best comprehensive performance.

Maleated polyethylene as a compatibilizing agent in cannabis indica stem’s flour-reinforced composite materials

Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) composites reinforced with wood flour of White Russian indica cannabis (ICF), a variety of marijuana obtained from government-licensed crops, were prepared. Wide particle size distribution range (136–1580 µm) of ICF was used. The wood flour was superficially treated with sodium hydroxide, and subsequently washed and dried. Composites with 30 and 60 parts of ICF by weight per hundred of rubber (phr) were prepared. Maleated polyethylene (MAPE) was used as a compatibilizer/coupling agent. The rubber compounds were mixed on a laboratory two-roll mill and cured composite sheets were obtained using compression molding technique. The effects of ICF and MAPE on the mechanical and physical properties of composites were analyzed. The addition of MAPE had positive effects on tensile strength, abrasion resistance, tear strength and compression set. The compatibilizing agent also had a slight effect on the hardness. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results confirmed that MAPE improved the interfacial adhesion between the ICF particle and EPDM matrix. ICF and MAPE slightly affected the crystallinity, characterized using X-ray diffraction microscopy, and curing behavior of the composites. Lightweight (ρ = 0.92 g/cm3) composites were obtained with load levels up to 60 phr of ICF.

Functionalization of Recycled Diatomite for Green, Stable, and High-performance Phase Change Material (PCM) Composite

This study reports on the functionalization of recycled diatomite (DT) for preparing green and shape-stabilized phase change material (SSPCM); the DT-based SSPCM can be employed in HDPE composite for high latent heat and good thermal conductivity. After purification, the purified DT (P-DT) adsorbed polyethylene glycol (PEG) by the straight dipping process for producing SSPCM. P-DT showed high surface area of 58 m2g-1 and low organic impurity (<1%); the PEG/P-DT SSPCM exhibited high latent heat of 45 Jg-1 and low leakage (<0.3%). By adding PEG/P-DT SSPCM into the HDPE, the SSPCM/HDPE composite improved both the heat deflection temperature (HDT) and maximum decomposition temperature (Tmax) to 89.18? and 500.2?, respectively. In seeking to enhance tensile strength and thermal conductivity, maleated polyethylene (MAPE) and alumina (Al2O3) were studied in the SSPCM/HDPE composite. In the end, the SSPCM/HDPE composite exhibited great heat resistance, mechanical property and thermal conductivity.

Synergetic effect of Posidonia oceanica fibres and deinking paper sludge on the thermo-mechanical properties of high density polyethylene composites

This study evaluated the reinforcement potential of Posidonia oceanica fibres (POF) and deinking paper sludge (DPS) on the thermo-mechanical properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE) binary and hybrid composites. The weight ratios of the fillers (POF and/or DPS) to the polymer were 0:100; 20:80; 30:70 and 40:60 (wt:wt). Maleated polyethylene (MAPE) was added at a proportion of 3% by weight. The chemical composition, structural and thermal properties and morphology of the fillers were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical (tensile and impact strength) and thermal properties (TGA and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)) of the binary and hybrid composites were also investigated. Binary and hybrid composite properties depend on the chemical composition of the fillers (POF and DPS), the filler/matrix interfacial adhesion and the POF: DPS ratio. The tensile modulus and strength of the binary and hybrid composites increased with increasing filler content (POF or/and DPS). A better interfacial adhesion between fillers and matrix was achieved in the presence of MAPE. HDPE/POF/MAPE composites achieved the highest tensile modulus and strength with 40% POF. But lower thermal stability, ductility and impact strength were found with the addition of the POF. However, the thermal stability, crystallinity, ductility and toughness improved in HDPE/POF/DPS/MAPE hybrid composites due to the addition of DPS or the substitution of POF by DPS.

Morphology and Mechanical Properties of Maple Reinforced LLDPE Produced by Rotational Moulding: Effect of Fibre Content and Surface Treatment

In this study, wood-plastic composites (WPC) were produced by rotomoulding, to study the effect of fibre content and surface treatment on their properties. Maple wood fibre, with or without surface treatment with maleated polyethylene (MAPE), was used to improve the mechanical properties of linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). From the composites produced, a complete morphological and mechanical characterisation was performed. The results showed that MAPE surface treatment improved the fibre-matrix interface quality and the mechanical properties (56% increase in tensile modulus and 60% increase in flexural modulus over the neat matrix with 19% in impact strength with respect to untreated fibres) at 30% wt.

Enhancement of mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of compatibilized graphene reinforced dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomer vulcanizates based on polyethylene and reclaimed rubber

The effect of graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) introduction into the compatibilized multiphase polymer systems such as dynamically vulcanized thermoplastic elastomers (TPVs) based on linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and reclaimed rubber (RR) was explored through using the experimental and theoretical analysis. The nanocomposites were prepared by using traditional melt mixing method and characterized by various experimental measurements including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), tensile test and rheological measurements. The morphological investigations of prepared TPV nanocomposites show the considerable effect of GnPs on the size reduction of rubber droplets. The DSC measurements indicated the role of GnPs as an effective nucleating agent in the TPV nanocomposites. The results of TGA measurements show that the GnPs can cause a higher thermal stability in LLDPE/RR TPVs especially in the presence of a maleated polyethylene (MA-PE) as a compatibilizer. The mechanical properties exploration of TPV nanocomposites represents the considerable effect of GnPs on the increasing of Young's modulus. The analytical stiffness analysis through using Christensen-Lo model with emphasizing the effect of interphase region could precisely predict the effect of various GnPs loading on the Young's modulus. Fabrication of an industrial applicable TPV nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical, thermal and morphological properties could be achieved by using both the proper loadings of GnPs and compatibilizer.

Biomimetic porous high-density polyethylene/polyethylene-grafted-maleic anhydride scaffold with improved in vitro cytocompatibility

A major challenge for tissue engineering is to design and to develop a porous biocompatible scaffold, which can mimic the properties of natural tissue. As a first step towards this endeavour, we here demonstrate a distinct methodology in biomimetically synthesized porous high-density polyethylene scaffolds. Co-extrusion approach was adopted, whereby high-density polyethylene was melt mixed with polyethylene oxide to form an immiscible binary blend. Selective dissolution of polyethylene oxide from the biphasic system revealed droplet-matrix-type morphology. An attempt to stabilize such morphology against thermal and shear effects was made by the addition of polyethylene- grafted-maleic anhydride as a compatibilizer. A maximum ultimate tensile strength of 7 MPa and elastic modulus of 370 MPa were displayed by the high-density polyethylene/polyethylene oxide binary blend with 5% maleated polyethylene during uniaxial tensile loading. The cell culture experiments with murine myoblast C2C12 cell line indicated that compared to neat high-density polyethylene and high-density polyethylene/polyethylene oxide, the high-density polyethylene/polyethylene oxide with 5% polyethylene- grafted-maleic anhydride scaffold significantly increased muscle cell attachment and proliferation with distinct elongated threadlike appearance and highly stained nuclei, in vitro. This has been partly attributed to the change in surface wettability property with a reduced contact angle (∼72°) for 5% PE- g-MA blends. These findings suggest that the high-density polyethylene/polyethylene oxide with 5% polyethylene- grafted-maleic anhydride can be treated as a cell growth substrate in bioengineering applications.

Effect of chemical treatments and additives on properties of chicken feathers thermoplastic biocomposites

The valorisation of chicken feathers waste was researched in this work through the preparation of composites using ground chicken feathers as a filler (20% vol/vol) and polypropylene or low-density polyethylene matrices. In order to improve the compatibility between chicken feathers and the matrices, two different strategies were followed: first, by the chemical modification of the chicken feathers by either acetylation or silanization and second, by the addition of adhesion promoters like maleated polypropylene and maleated polyethylene. The effect of those treatments on the physical, mechanical and structural properties of the thermoplastic-chicken feathers biocomposites, which are mainly related to the fibre–matrix compatibility, was analysed. Results show that the addition of 20% (vol/vol) of unmodified chicken feathers to the thermoplastic matrices results in a significant decrease of the tensile strength associated to a weak interfacial adhesion as it was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy. However, when the adhesion promoters were added to the mixture, a significant increase in the tensile strength was noticed, particularly when the composites were obtained by a process at 180℃. On the contrary, acetylation and silane treatments of the chicken feathers did not result in any practical improvement of the macroscopic properties of the biocomposites.

Wood plastic composites (WPC) based on high-density polyethylene and birch wood plywood production residues

ABSTRACTMuch research is being devoted to green bio-composites production and properties. The most popular materials in this field are wood plastic composites (WPC) based on polyolefins and different wood fibres. Our studies are focussed on investigating the properties (physical, mechanical and water uptake) of high-density polyethylene-based bio-composites, containing birch wood veneer byproduct from plywood production: and plywood sanding dust (PSD). The fluidity of composite melts was noted by melt flow index (MFI) measurements. Fracture mechanisms of the composites were investigated with scanning electron microscopy studies. For WPC modification, the coupling agent maleated polyethylene (MAPE) was used. WPC loaded with PSD showed improvement in tensile, flexural and micro hardness properties, but MFI, impact strength and deformation ability decreased with an increase in the filler content. By contrast, water resistance significantly increases with the presence of MAPE in the composites.

Some Exploitation Properties of Wood Plastic Composites Based on Recycled High Density Polyethylene and Plywood Production Residues

One type of birch wood plywood by-product: plywood sanding dust (PSD) and recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) composites physical mechanical properties (tensile, flexural strength and modulus, impact strength and microhardness), water resistance and fluidity of the composite melts, were evaluated. These studies showed the possibility of the usage of presented by-product as an excellent reinforcement for recycled high density polyethylene matrix. It was observed that the modulus of the tensile for unmodified rHDPE+PSD composites increased up to 2.3 times, the modulus of flexural till 4 times, but the microhardness only 1.4 times. Optimal content of the PSD in recycled high density polyethylene composites could be 50 wt. %. As a coupling agent, the maleated polyethylene (MAPE) for modifying of the rHDPE+50 wt. % PSD composite was used. Due to the MAPE additives, the improvement (30-50 %) of the investigated exploitation properties was observed, but in comparison with unmodified composites the resistance of water increased up to 3.0 times. Optimal content of MAPE in rHDPE+50 wt. % PSD composition could be 3 wt.%.